Jose Mourinho has revealed he had the opportunity to exit Roma in December - amid links to the Chelsea job.
The Portuguese manager is frustrated with a lack of funds available to him in the transfer market, and has let it be known he would be interested in a return to his former club.
And Mourinho told DAZN he might have left the Italian side in 2022 amid a lack of resources to fight for the title - but chose not to do so.
He said: 'I could've left in December and didn't, this is my life, every day there is a game.
'Sometimes it might seem as if we are struggling, but we are up there with all the others who are very strong.'
Mourinho's side spent less than £7m in the summer transfer window, on the signing of right back Zeki Celik from Lille, bringing in five players on free transfers, including Paulo Dybala, Nemanja Matic and Andrea Belotti.
And amid a rough patch of form for striker Tammy Abraham and the club in general, Mourinho was considering a move back to London, where he has lived for the majority of the time since his first spell at Stamford Bridge in 2024.
His wife and children still live in the English capital and Mourinho, who won the inaugural Europa Conference League last season, prefers working in the Premier League than anywhere else in the world.
The 60-year-old added: 'There was a short period this season when I had a few doubts about Abraham. Not about his qualities as a player, but about him, he had a difficult period.
'Now, however, if he doesn't score a goal, then he still gives an important contribution. He did everything perfectly in the second half, holding the ball up, helping in defence, interacting very well with Paulo. It's a positive moment for him.'
Despite Mourinho making overtures to Chelsea, the club have made it clear they will be standing by Graham Potter despite their current woes.
The West Ham job could also be available soon given David Moyes' struggles, although Mourinho would not leave Roma during the middle of the season.
His side beat Empoli 2-0 on Saturday, with former Blues star Abraham on the scoresheet, a result that leaves them third in Serie A, level on points with second-placed Inter, albeit having played a game more than Simone Inzaghi's side.
